June 2013

Colorado AvidGolfer

Our national championship comes with wicker shock.

This month the U.S. Open returns to Philadelphia’s Main Line for the first time in more than three decades. Feared to be too short for today’s power players, Merion Golf Club’s historic East Course is famous for the exploits of Bobby Jones and Ben Hogan, as well as for the iconic red and orange wicker baskets that prevent players from gauging the wind around the green. How well do you know the history of the club and the event?

Answers:

If Webb Simpson wins at Merion, he will be the first repeat U.S. Open Champion since…

1. Tiger Woods
2. Jack Nicklaus
3. Curtis Strange
4. Hale Irwin

 

At Merion he became the first Australian to win the U.S. Open

1. Greg Norman
2. David Graham
3. Geoff Ogilvy
4. Ian Baker-Finch

 

Who won the first U.S. Amateur held at Merion?

1. Chick Evans
2. Francis Ouimet
3. Bobby Jones
4. Henry Stetson

 

How many USGA Championships has Merion hosted, including this year’s?

1. 11
2. 20
3. 18
4. 17

 

When Ben Hogan miraculously won the 1950 U.S. Open after a near-fatal accident, whom did he defeat in a playoff?

1. George Fazio and Lloyd Mangrum
2. Cary Middlecoff and Sam Snead
3. Julis Boros and Henry Picard
4. Lloyd Mangrum and Dutch Harrison

 

The 2005 U.S. Amateur at Merion, commemorating Bobby Jones’ win during his 1930 Grand Slam, was won by

1. Ricky Barnes
2. Edoardo Molinari
3. Richie Ramsay
4. Buddy Marucci

 

Which player did not win a U.S. Open at Merion?

1. Lee Trevino
2. David Graham
3. Jack Nicklaus
4. Olin Dutra

 

At 6,996 yards, Merion will be the shortest U.S. Open course since…

1. Bethpage (2009)
2. Southern Hills (2001)
3. Oakland Hills (1996)
4. Hazeltine (1991)

 

Scottish immigrant Hugh Wilson, the architect of Merion, had a hand in designing the the final four holes at…

1. Aronimink
2. Oakmont
3. Pine Valley
4. Philadelphia Cricket Club